A biblical death-wish: Paul celebrating dying in Phil 1:21

Abstract

Death features as an important concept in the Pauline writings in the New Testament for a number of reasons. However, the intriguing way in which the apostle at times addressed death as positive notion in itself, was traditionally related to Paulâs theological convictions and his understanding of the death of Christ in particular. The remarkably pointed way in which Paul positively celebrated death in Philippians 1:21 borders on invoking a martyrological paradigm, and raises questions about his convictions regarding life, and bodily existence in particular. Interesting analogies emerge when Paulâs celebration of death is compared in a concluding section with contemporary, popular instances where death is â even if for different reasons â presented as âgainâ.